MORE than 130 people are set to take part in a sponsored beach walk this weekend, to raise funds for the Friends of the War Memorial Hospital in Burnham-on-Sea.

The event takes place tomorrow (Saturday, April 24), with walkers given the choice of three distances: from The Ritz Social Club, Burnham, to Brean Down and back; from The Ritz to Berrow Beach and back; and from The Ritz to the beach lighthouse and back.

The official start and finish point will be a gazebo in the social club parking area, just opposite the Post Office, and the Berrow and Brean turn points will be clearly marked with signs.

Those walking to the lighthouse on the beach should turn around at that point.

Participants will be asked to keep to the current social distancing guidelines throughout, and especially at the start and finish check-in point, with staggered start times between 10am and 11am to prevent large groups gathering.

Free refreshments and drinks will be available upon the walkers’ return.

The organiser of the event, Mike Barsby, estimates that the walk is on target to raise more than £2,500 for the hospital charity.

Sponsorship money should be paid into the Team Ritz Sponsored Walk JustGiving page here, or can be handed in at the Ritz gazebo on the day of the event, by cash or cheque.

Alternatively, participants can pay in the money at the Ritz Social Club Bar after it re-opens on May 17, or contact Mike Barsby - email mikebarsby21@gmail.com or text 07936538263 - and he can arrange collection.

Mike said: “If anyone wants to take part who hasn’t registered yet, they can text me and pay £10 to turn up and take part on the day.

“Your participation will make a real difference to the hospital staff and patients, and help pay for all the little extras to give them a happier day.”